Octiles is one of our most acclaimed sets, repeatedly a Games 100 selection (1985 and 1992 reviews). We frequently hear raves about it from satisfied customers. The 18 all-different wood tiles have four laser-engraved paths each. Players join the tiles to create routes across the board as their five "runners" race to the opposite side. Tiles move and paths change on every turn, creating a dynamic whirl of strategies. In handsome velvet satchel. The book includes three game variations plus 29 puzzles. Read here the detailed rules for the "Move Over" version. For 1 to 4 players, ages 10 to adult. $145

Michael's goal was to create a meta-game for rule-changing with a fixed slate of rules, unlike the fluid game of Nomic. The rules are on the 9 wood tiles and determine how the players may move their pieces, trade tiles, and win. A rule is activated when a player's piece enters a correspondingly shaped tile, and the previously active rule turns off. A placement phase precedes movement. Experienced players can sometimes win even before movement begins. For 2 players, ages 12 to adult. Choose the deluxe wood version or the travel set:

36 acrylic pieces include all the shapes of 6 squares
joined ("hexominoes"). They are sized to be compatible
with Poly-5, for those who want the extra fun of
combining the whole series. The 8½" tray and game grid accommodate four strategic games and hundreds of puzzles. You can choose from several color combinations. For its 25th anniversary in 2009, we gave it a frosted silver frame and center, and a special "25" solving challenge (.pdf, 68KB). Suitable for 1 to 6 players, ages 12 to adult. Reviewed in Games, May 1985. $59

This is the second of Manny's game ideas Kadon has published. See also our old favorite, Triangoes. In Teleporters, we introduce an entirely original game concept of instantaneous space travel A player's "pole" pieces can travel not just on their own but by hitching rides in teleporters that can zoom across the board. Teleporters consist of two "port" pieces that have joined up. Singly they also block and guard. Teleporters can even grab opponent poles and teleport them back to their starting lines. Another unique feature: Move 2 poles and 2 ports on every turn. Every move brings an exciting opportunity for strategic dazzle. Finely crafted, laser-engraved 18" wood board is hand-painted in a distinctive design; 8 poles and 8 ports are handcrafted and stained. Blue felt slipcover included. For ages 10 to adult, 1 or 2 players. $150

On Games 100 list, December 2008 (review). Pearl Fisher is an elegant synergy of abstract strategy and memory. Two boards in one  square grid on one side, a hex grid on the other. Finely crafted 11½" boards are laser-engraved. The "pearls" are glass marbles. Move pearls and cover them with shells. Can you find the right color of pearl? Three game themes plus solitaires. Includes 9 pearls each of 3 colors plus 9 "shells" and a felt slipcase. Engrossing play for 1 to 3 players, ages 10-adult. $65